Vienna International Community - Other Top Players - Latest Headlines

Read updated news about other key people in Vienna's international community

Negotiations at AUA at a Standstill: Risk of Strike at Easter Increases

An impending strike at Austrian Airlines (AUA) is casting its shadow and threatening the upcoming Easter travel season. The negotiating parties are sticking to their positions regarding the collective agreements and an agreement seems a long way off.

March 24, 2024

Austrian Economic Chamber: Opportunities and Challenges for Austria in Global Trade Dynamics

Against the backdrop of an increasingly interconnected global economy and the challenges posed by geopolitical tensions, Mariana Kühnel, Deputy Secretary General of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ), emphasized the critical role of international trade for the Austrian economy. On the occasion of the Market Access Day in Vienna, she spoke about the need to secure access to global markets and open the doors to international sales markets, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

March 21, 2024

Francophonie Forum in Vienna: A Bridge Between Culture, Business and Sport

An event took place in Vienna that underlined the cultural and economic importance of the Francophonie. The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ), in close cooperation with the French Embassy in Austria and the French-Austrian Chamber of Commerce (CCFA), organized the forum "L'industrie du sport parle français" ("The sports industry speaks French").

March 21, 2024

Harmony and Dialogue at the Interreligious Iftar in Vienna

In an impressive demonstration of unity, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and the President of the Islamic Religious Community in Austria (IGGÖ), Ümit Vural, hosted an unprecedented interfaith iftar. The event, which took place in the historic Palais Niederösterreich, brought together representatives of different religious communities and personalities from politics, science, and diplomacy.

March 20, 2024

Small Unrest During EU Parliament President Metsola's Visit to Vienna

The Austrian capital was the scene of a heated appearance by EU Parliament President Roberta Metsola. During a public event at the Law Faculty of the University of Vienna, which was held under the motto "Ask President Metsola", there were loud protests and interruptions by demonstrators. The discussion, which was originally supposed to cover topics such as the future of the EU, the upcoming European elections, and international political affairs, lost focus when the Middle East conflict came up.

March 20, 2024

New Dynamics on the Labor Market and with the Red-White-Red Card: Austria Relies on the Influx of Skilled Workers

At a meeting of the interministerial Skilled Workers Strategy Committee, decisive measures to speed up the procedures for the Red-White-Red Card were discussed. The aim is to combat the shortage of skilled workers in Austria through more efficient recruitment of internationally skilled workers and to increase the location's attractiveness.

March 19, 2024

Elections in Russia Also Held in Vienna: Between Protest and Farce

In Vienna, there were unusually long queues outside the Russian embassy as numerous young Russians lined up, sometimes for hours, to take part in the presidential election. However, their efforts were in vain as Vladimir Putin secured the elections in Russia, which were deemed neither fair nor honest internationally.

March 18, 2024

Memorial for Navalny in Vienna: A Sign of Resistance and Mourning Destroyed

An impressive testimony to the compassion and protest of the Russian community in Austria has formed in front of the Russian embassy in Vienna. In honor of the deceased Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, an improvised memorial was created that not only expresses grief but can also be seen as a clear statement against the Putin regime.

March 17, 2024

Austria Expels Two Russian Diplomats and Austrian Ambassador in Moscow is Summoned

After Austria recently declared two Russian diplomats undesirable persons, Russia is now summoning Austria's ambassador to the Foreign Ministry. This indicates a serious deterioration in diplomatic relations between the two countries. So far, a total of eleven Russian diplomats have been expelled from Austria since 2020

March 14, 2024

European Gas Conference in Vienna Postponed due to Protests

The European Gas Conference planned for March 26-28 in Vienna is no longer on the international energy industry's calendar. Security concerns caused by announced protests forced the organizers to postpone the event indefinitely.

March 14, 2024

Cyprus Concludes Chairmanship of the OSCE Forum for Security Cooperation

The final session of the Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) was chaired by Cyprus. Cyprus' engagement in the OSCE FSC impressively illustrates the value of dialog and multilateral cooperation, even in the most difficult times.

March 13, 2024

Raiffeisen Bank International Under Observation by U.S. Sanctions Authorities

Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI), a prominent financial institution based in Austria, is the focus of the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) due to its ongoing business relationship with Russia. OFAC has contacted the bank to request details of its transactions and processes related to Russia.

March 11, 2024

U.S. Ambassador Kennedy Will Lead Austrian Delegation to Major Investment Summit in the U.S.

In a major announcement from the US Embassy in Vienna, it has been revealed that US Ambassador Victoria Kennedy will lead a high-profile Austrian delegation to this year's SelectUSA Investment Summit. The event, which will take place from June 23-26, 2024 at the prestigious Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, is considered a key platform for promoting foreign direct investment in the United States.

March 10, 2024

Six Decades in the Service of Peace: Austria Celebrates 60 Years of UNFICYP Deployment in Cyprus

Austria's involvement in the "United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus" (UNFICYP) marks an important anniversary this year: the Alpine Republic has been supporting the peacekeeping mission on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus for sixty years. A look back at the beginnings in April 1964 shows the deployment of a field hospital with 55 men following the unanimous adoption of Resolution 186 by the UN Security Council in March of the same year.

March 10, 2024

Future of EU Enlargement Discussed in Vienna: Unified Vision Required

An event in Vienna, organized by the ERSTE Foundation in cooperation with the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), focused on the debate about the future of EU enlargement. Under the title "Beyond Catch-27: How to make EU enlargement work?", leading experts from various fields gathered to discuss the challenges and opportunities of integrating new member states into the European Union.

March 7, 2024

Signa's Major Project "Lamarr" in Vienna Seeks New Owner

The prestigious "Lamarr" real estate project on the bustling Mariahilfer Strasse, a flagship property of the troubled Signa Group, is now officially on the market.

March 6, 2024

Chinese BYD Strengthens Presence in Austria

Chinese car manufacturers are becoming increasingly present in the European car market and are openly demonstrating their role. The Chinese company BYD proudly presents its cars and other products on the Austrian market.

February 28, 2024

Financial Turbulence and Internal Conflicts Shake Signa Group Severely

The Signa Group's financial crisis reached a new peak when creditors filed claims totaling EUR 6.3 billion against Signa Prime, of which only EUR 2.6 billion were recognized by the restructuring administrator Norbert Abel. The hearing at the Vienna Commercial Court revealed that the group's financial difficulties are deeper than previously thought, with a significant proportion of the claims in dispute.

February 26, 2024

Financial Market Authority Initiates Investigations Against Raiffeisen Bank International

The Austrian Financial Market Authority (FMA) has launched an investigation into Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI). The focus is on possible deficiencies in the implementation of money laundering prevention measures, as can be seen from the bank's annual report published today.

February 25, 2024

Increased Security Cooperation Between Austria and Romania

In a sign of solidarity and joint commitment to peace and security in Europe, Austrian Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner received her Romanian counterpart Angel Tîlvăr for bilateral talks in Vienna.

February 25, 2024

Controversy Over FPÖ Candidacy for Yad Vashem Board Shakes Jewish Communities

The nomination of Wels Mayor Andreas Rabl of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) for a position on the board of the "Austrian Friends of Yad Vashem" has triggered a broad wave of outrage and criticism that reaches far beyond Austria's borders. Rabl's candidacy, known for his affiliation with a party that is often criticized for its extreme right-wing tendencies, was met with staunch opposition from renowned institutions and personalities.

February 22, 2024

Decline in Frozen Russian Assets in Austria

The significant drop in the volume of frozen Russian assets in Austria, as observed over the past year, mirrors a broader trend seen in other countries, where the handling and status of these assets have been dynamic and subject to legal, political, and financial considerations.

February 21, 2024

Austria and USA Launch New Exchange Program for Young Professionals and Students

In a new step to deepen transatlantic relations, Austria and the United States have launched a new Working Holiday Program (WHP) that offers young people from both nations the opportunity to experience each other's culture, everyday life, and the working world.

February 21, 2024

Vienna Selected as European Capital of Democracy 2024/25

Vienna, the Austrian capital, will hold the prestigious title of "European Capital of Democracy" for one year from October 2024. This award follows a decision by a Europe-wide online vote, in which Vienna prevailed against cities such as Bratislava, Leipzig, Gdansk, and Izmir. The awarding of the title, which was previously held by Barcelona, was initiated by the non-profit organization European Capital of Democracy.

February 20, 2024

"Shaping Europe together": EBÖ Launches Second Workshop in the Run-Up to the 2024 EU Elections

The European Movement Austria (EBÖ) is intensifying its efforts to actively involve companies and associations in shaping the future of Europe. Under the motto "Shaping Europe together", the second workshop in this series will take place on March 18, 2024, at the House of the European Union in Vienna. The aim is to give participants a comprehensive insight into EU policy and enable them to play a greater role.

February 20, 2024

Greece Takes Over ICMPD Chairmanship from Türkiye: Reorientation of Migration Partnerships

At a ceremony in Brussels, the chairmanship of the steering group of the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) was handed over from Türkiye to Greece. Under the motto "A holistic approach to balanced migration partnerships", high-level representatives came together to discuss the future direction of migration policy.

February 20, 2024

Austrian International Military Cooperation in Jordan: Focus on Gender Issues

The Austrian Armed Forces, in cooperation with the armed forces from the Netherlands and Canada and the organization "UN-Women", have launched the first "Advanced Gender Focal Point Course" in Amman, Jordan.

February 17, 2024

Michelin Guide Puts Austria's Cuisine Back on the Map

The MICHELIN Guide, one of the world's most renowned institutions for restaurant ratings, has announced that it will once again publish an Austria-wide selection of top restaurants from 2025.

February 15, 2024

Signa Group's Luxury Properties up for Sale: A Glimmer of Hope for the Redevelopment

Signa Prime Selection AG, a major player in the luxury real estate market, is currently facing financial difficulties that could now be alleviated by the planned sale of some of its most prestigious properties. Karl-Heinz Götze, the insolvency manager of the credit protection association KSV1870, sees this step as a crucial "piece of the puzzle" for an orderly resolution of Signa Prime's insolvency proceedings.

February 14, 2024

Austrian Alevi Leader Arrested in Türkiye

In a disturbing incident, Mehmet Ali Çankaya, the former president and current honorary president of the Federation of Alevi Communities in Austria, was detained at Istanbul airport during a private visit to Türkiye and subjected to hours of interrogation.

February 13, 2024

EU House in Vienna Introduces New Environmental Standards

At a solemn ceremony, the First Vice-President of the European Parliament, Othmar Karas, and Wolfgang Bogensberger, Chief Executive Officer of the Commission's Representation in Austria, unveiled the EMAS environmental certification plaque for the European Union House at Vienna.

February 12, 2024

Austria and Montenegro Strengthen Relations: EU Accession by 2028 in Sight

During an official visit to Vienna by Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović, Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen emphasized the importance of Western Balkan integration into the EU, with Montenegro leading the way. Given the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, a "realistic prospect of accession" for these countries is now "more important than ever".

February 8, 2024

Austrian President Van der Bellen Visits Pioneering Integration Project "NACHBARINNEN in Vienna"

Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen emphasized the importance of integration and empowerment during his visit to the sewing workshop of the "NACHBARINNEN in Wien" association. The association, known for its successful work with migrant women, relies on the principle of self-empowerment and role models from their own culture to bring women and families with a migration background out of isolation.

February 7, 2024

Order of Malta Strengthens Diplomacy for Humanitarian Aid

A major international conference in Rome, attended by the Sovereign Order of Malta's Ambassador to the Republic of Austria, H.E. DI Sebastian Prince von Schoenaich-Carolath, has strengthened the role of the Order of Malta's diplomatic service in the international community. The event included an audience with Pope Francis and provided a platform for exchange on ways to intensify international cooperation.

February 6, 2024

Africa Day 2024: Austria Looks to Africa's Future Markets

This year's Africa Day was all about Africa's future markets and offered a platform to strengthen economic relations between Austrian and African companies. Organized by the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ), the event attracted more than 1,200 participants from Austria, over 30 African countries, and guests from Europe, Asia, and the USA.

February 5, 2024

Signa-Retail Company Lamarr Declares Bankruptcy

The highly anticipated Lamarr Kaufhaus project on Mariahilfer Straße in Vienna, set to include a flagship department store and hotel, has filed for bankruptcy. This development comes as a significant blow, as the project, originally slated for completion in 2025, has faced financial turmoil. The insolvency was confirmed by the Creditors' Protection Association KSV 1870 on Friday.

February 4, 2024

Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg Thanks Descendants of Nazi Expellees for Regaining Austrian Citizenship

Together with the President of the Jewish Community Vienna, Oskar Deutsch, the Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg presented the new publication "Wir und Österreich - Austria and us". This moving publication tells the stories of 15 descendants of victims of National Socialism who share their memories, feelings, hopes, and expectations in connection with regaining Austrian citizenship.

February 4, 2024

EU Ambassador in Vienna Selmayr Transitions to Academia

After serving as the Ambassador of the European Commission in Austria since November 2019, Martin Selmayr is embarking on a new journey in academia.

January 31, 2024

OPEC Fund: A Record Year for Development and Sustainability

The OPEC Fund for International Development has had an unprecedented year as the institution stepped up its global development assistance efforts, committing a record-breaking US$1.7 billion to 55 projects worldwide. These funds, designed to address the challenges of climate change, support the energy transition, and strengthen social and economic resilience, mark a turning point in the Vienna-based Fund's efforts to promote sustainable growth worldwide.

January 30, 2024

Austria United in Remembrance: Joint Remembrance on International Holocaust Remembrance Day

In an impressive sign of solidarity and remembrance, representatives of the Jewish Community, Roma, Austria's political leaders, and members of the democratic opposition came together in Vienna to commemorate the millions of victims of the Shoah.

January 30, 2024

Austria's Ministry of Defense Warns of Global Risks

In a time of global uncertainty, the Austrian Federal Ministry of Defense has presented the "Risikobild 2024 - World out of joint". The presentation at the Raiffeisen Forum, led by Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner, aimed to shed light on the security policy challenges at the national and international level for the coming twelve to 18 months.

January 29, 2024

Austria Suspends Payments to UNRWA After Allegations of Hamas Involvement

Austria has suspended its payments to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) following serious allegations. It is alleged that employees of the organization may have been involved in a terrorist attack by Hamas on 7 October. The Austrian government is calling for a comprehensive and swift investigation into these allegations by UNRWA and the United Nations. Payments to UNRWA will remain suspended until full clarification and clarity on the consequences.

January 29, 2024

Realignment and Expert Dialog: Austria's Path to Fair Competition

The new head of the Federal Competition Authority (BWB), Natalie Harsdorf-Borsch, has set herself the goal of taking stronger action against companies that abuse their market power. This focus marks a strategic reorientation of the BWB, which previously dealt primarily with price agreements and investigated fewer cases of abuse of market power.

January 28, 2024

Saudi Arabia Allows Alcohol Sales to Foreign Diplomats for the First Time

In a significant change to its long-standing policy, Saudi Arabia has decided to allow the public sale of alcohol to "non-Muslim diplomats". This marks a historic departure from the country's strict alcohol ban.

January 25, 2024

International Flair at the 75th Officers' Ball in Vienna

The Officers' Ball in Vienna attracted not only local guests but also an impressive number of international guests, underlining the importance of the event in the diplomatic calendar.

January 24, 2024

Promotion of Democracy in the Age of AI by the U.S. Embassy in Vienna

The U.S. Embassy in Austria, in cooperation with the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA), recently hosted renowned AI ethics and policy expert Merve Hickok for an important dialog on global challenges. This initiative is part of the "U.S.-Austria Citizen Dialogue on Global Challenges".

January 22, 2024

"Africa! Africa!" Enchants Vienna with a Spectacular Show

"Africa! Africa!" has now also captivated audiences in Vienna after its impressive success in several Austrian cities. The premiere, which took place on January 19, 2024, in the St. Marx circus tent, was a feast for the senses and cultures that delighted the guests of honor and spectators alike.

January 22, 2024

Intercultural Achievement Award 2024 of the Austrian Foreign Ministry

The Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs invites organizations from Austria and abroad to apply for the Intercultural Achievement Award 2024. This prestigious award, now in its eleventh year, recognizes outstanding intercultural and interreligious projects that contribute to global dialogue and mutual understanding. The deadline for project proposals is March 17, 2024.

January 18, 2024

Jonas Kaufmann and Elisabeth Engelbrechtsmüller-Strauss Awarded the French Legion of Honor

The awards of the French Legion of Honor to Jonas Kaufmann and Elisabeth Engelbrechtsmüller-Strauss underline the importance of their artistic and business activities. Kaufmann's contribution to the world of opera and music and Engelbrechtsmüller-Strauss' successful management of an international technology group as well as her social commitment reflect France's appreciation of outstanding achievements in culture and business.

January 18, 2024

DHK New Year's Reception 2024: Business and Politics in Dialog

The traditional New Year's reception of the German Chamber of Commerce in Austria (DHK) took place in Graz, set against the historic backdrop of the auditorium of the Old University.

January 17, 2024